What Is Considered Reasonably Safe?

In our previous blogs, we discussed premises liability laws in Mississippi and what to do if you are injured on someone else’s property. In short, premises liability laws require property owners to keep their premises “reasonably safe” from dangers and potential hazards. But how does the law constitute what is considered reasonably safe?

Expectation of Safety

Generally, any condition that the owner of the premises could expect to potentially injure someone is their responsibility to fix and make safe. A reasonably safe premises is also considered one that is free of hazards that any reasonable visitor or person should expect.

For example, it’s reasonable for a visitor to expect that the floor they are walking on is dry. Therefore, it is considered within the property owner’s duty of care to ensure that the floor is free of spills.

The physical attributes of reasonably safe premises will vary depending on specific circumstances and factors. Depending on the type of property, you expect certain safety precautions taken.

If you are at an apartment complex, for instance, you may have an expectation that the coded gate is working and security guards are present throughout the premises at night. But if the coded gate is broken and there is no security working during the night, the property owner may be held liable if related injuries are the result of these factors.

Know Your Rights

Oftentimes, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to premises liability cases. Because these cases are so nuanced, it is crucial to hire a skilled attorney who can determine what your owed duty of care was and what conditions led to your accident.

At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, our Mississippi premises liability attorneys are dedicated to preserving the rights of injury victims so they obtain the compensation needed to heal the right way. Let us put our skills, knowledge, and experience to work for you.

We are here to help you pursue your legal options. Contact our firm at (662) 222-0597 to get started with a free consultation.

About the Author
Jefferson D. Gilder is a Partner at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman and was admitted to the Mississippi and Tennessee Bars in 1990. Mr. Gilder is admitted to practice in all courts in Mississippi and Tennessee including Federal Court, the Fifth and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Gilder's areas of practice include personal injury, criminal, medical malpractice, civil rights, and product liability. Mr. Gilder spent his first ten years as an attorney practicing with his father, Robert G. Gilder, at Gilder Law Firm in Southaven, Mississippi before forming Gilder, Howell & Assoc., P.A. with Jamie W. Howell, Jr. in June of 2000. This firm although as another legal entity has now combined their resources and experience with Chatham – Pittman, to form Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman. If you have any questions about this article, you can reach Jefferson through our contact page.